Potato Logs
"Potato logs are delicious breaded and seasoned deep-fried potato wedges that are served only at gas stations throughout South America. With their ultra crispy coating that’s reminiscent of the exterior of fried chicken, they’re a true Southern-fried staple and are sometimes known as tater logs, jojos or tater boats, depending on where you’re from. Where I grew up in rural Tennessee, the hot bars of gas stations are the go-to spots for a quick bite of local specialties. Whatever else I ordered, I always got a side of potato logs, and this recipe is an homage to my beloved gas station favourite."
Ingredients
Method
Special equipment: a deep-fry thermometer
- Mix the seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt together in a medium bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the spice mix and the potato wedges to a large microwave-safe bowl. Toss to coat the wedges. Tightly cover the bowl. Microwave until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes, tossing halfway through. Chill until cooled to room temperature, about 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
- While the potatoes are cooling, fill a large casserole dish a little less than halfway with oil. Heat the oil until it registers 180 degrees C on a deep-fry thermometer. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and set aside.
- Whisk the flour, potato starch, and 32g of the seasoning mix in an 8-inch baking dish or flat bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, egg and remaining 1 tablespoon seasoning mix in another baking dish. Dredge a potato wedge in the flour, then in the buttermilk, and then in flour again. Carefully put it in the oil and continue dredging to fry 3 or 4 wedges at a time until dark golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer the wedges with tongs to the cooling rack over the baking sheet. Continue dredging and frying batches until all the potatoes are fried. Serve warm with ketchup, ranch, honey mustard or your favourite dipping sauce.
Cook’s Note
If you’re not serving these immediately, you can keep them on the cooling rack and place them in a 90-degree-C oven for up to 30 minutes.
